Cybersecurity manager certifications compared: CISSP vs. CIPM vs. CISM vs. GSLC

No large organization can run successfully without cybersecurity managers. They ensure staff follow safe practices, manage the protection of the IT infrastructure, coordinate the response to incidents and ensure recovery after an attack. They also shoulder the hefty responsibility of sound security governance across their organizations. 

The roles and responsibilities vary from one cybersecurity manager position to another. The cybersecurity manager/administrator role includes a variety of advanced-level information security positions focused on overseeing security systems and teams. They also manage IT security programs. In this way, they enable workers to recognize and deal with a cybersecurity incident, such as a data breach or cyberattack, while ensuring that team members implement appropriate controls and policies to mitigate risks. 

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Ways to prepare for a security manager career 

With many organizations looking for qualified security managers, now is a great time for professionals to find a career path in cybersecurity and train to achieve their security goals. 

Candidates need experience managing security operations and teams, a college degree in computer science, cybersecurity or a related technical field and, above all, the ability to prove they’ve continued their training through reputable security and management certifications. 

Most in-demand cybersecurity certifications 

Here, we cover the most in-demand cybersecurity certifications for cybersecurity managers. 

CISSP 

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) from ISC2 is one of the most respected and in-demand cybersecurity certifications available. It’s designed for cybersecurity managers who need to build their knowledge across a broad range of technical and management topics. 

The CISSP was refreshed in April 2024 in accordance with the Job Task Analysis (JTA), which is reviewed and modified by ISC2 members to reflect the security and privacy issues cybersecurity management professionals currently face. As ISC2 states, “Earning the CISSP proves you have what it takes to effectively design, implement and manage a best-in-class cybersecurity program.” 

• Exam details and requirements: The CISSP gives candidates three hours to answer between 100 and 150 questions. You need five or more years of paid work experience in two or more of the eight domains in the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) 
• Benefits of earning your CISSP: Gain a broad range of knowledge across multiple cybersecurity disciplines, as well as managerial principles 
• Career opportunities: You’ll be able to apply for cybersecurity management positions and specialty positions, such as security architect, security engineer, security auditor or security ops 
• Recertification processes: To get recertified, you must earn 120 continuing education credits over the course of three years or take the exam again. 

Should you get CISM or CISSP first? Many opt for the CISSP first because it sets a solid foundation for the CISM and other certifications as well. For others, the major issue is CISM vs CISSP exam difficulty, which comes down to which topic areas you are more comfortable with. 

CIPM 

The CIPM certification has a strong focus on privacy, making it an ideal choice for those responsible for protecting sensitive information. The International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) offers the Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM) credentialing program, which assesses candidates’ understanding of information privacy laws and practices. As IAPP explains, “The CIPM designation says that you’re a leader in privacy program administration and have the goods to establish, maintain and manage a privacy program across all stages of its lifecycle.” The IAPP CIPM, which was launched in 2013 as the first and only certification in privacy program management, suits risk managers and others responsible for privacy within their teams. 

• Exam details and requirements: You have 2.5 hours to answer 90 questions. You have to understand governance principles, privacy regulations and operational management techniques. 
• Benefits of a CIPM certification: Reinforce the skills needed to build and implement privacy tools and systems.
• Career opportunities: You position yourself to qualify for managerial positions overseeing privacy teams and cybersecurity professionals focused on safe data management
• Recertification process: You have to complete at least 20 hours of continuing privacy education each year for each certification you hold to maintain your certification. 

CISM 

There’s often a debate about CISM certification vs CISSP, and the following details may make it easier to decide which one is the best fit for you. If you want to move from a technical to a managerial career or provide evidence of a combination of management skills and technical knowledge, then the Information Systems Audit and Control Association's (ISACA's) certification may be a good fit. ISACA’s Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification shows you have expertise in information security governance, developing and managing programs, and managing incidents and risks. For those considering CISM vs CISSP, the CISM suits cybersecurity and IT security managers but is also ideal for information risk managers. 

To be certified, testers need to submit a proper application, pass the exam and have the required work experience (at least five years in information security management). The test covers four domains: information security governance, information risk management, information security program development and management, and information security incident management. 

Is CISM harder than CISSP? Regarding the issue of CISM vs CISSP difficulty, some may feel the CISM exam is harder only because the CISSP may have fewer questions, depending on each question’s degree of difficulty. 

• Exam details and requirements: You have four hours to answer 150 questions. You need at least five years of work experience and a minimum of three years working in information security management. The less stringent work requirements of CISM may make it a better choice for some candidates when considering CISM or CISSP. 
• Benefits of getting your CISM certification: Solidify your knowledge of security governance and risk principles and prepare to transition from a technical to a leadership position. 
• Career opportunities: You can qualify for positions such as information security manager, security risk manager or security audit manager. 
• Recertification process: Once you earn your CISM, you need to earn 120 continuing professional education (CPE) credits in three years or less — or you can pass the exam again. 

Which is better, CISM or CISSP? As you may have already noticed, it’s not hard to spot the difference between CISM and CISSP, specifically when it comes to CISM’s focus on risk management. Some choose to get their CISM after CISSP, feeling the CISSP’s general nature makes it a strong prerequisite for the CISM. Ultimately, CISM vs. CISSP certification may come down to whether you want to prepare yourself for a wider range of positions or focus on risk management and overseeing teams of security professionals. 

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GSLC 

Taking sides in the GSLC vs. CISM debate may be easier after considering what makes the GSLC unique. The GIAC Security Leadership Certification (GSLC) suits high-ranking professionals with managerial or supervisory responsibilities, especially if they plan and manage security initiatives. The GSLC certification covers key management topics addressing the overall security life cycle. It covers topics such as cryptography, network concepts and application security. You also go over how to structure an effective security program, create proper security policies, run an awareness program and manage security architecture. 

The certification also addresses incident response and business continuity. This is especially useful because security managers have to protect IT infrastructure and also get a business back up and running after an incident. 

• Exam details and requirements: You have three hours to answer 115 questions. Even though there aren’t any specific experiential requirements, knowledge of security management will prove useful. 
• Benefits of getting your GSLC certification: Gain leadership skills to help you oversee and manage an organization’s security programs. 
• Career opportunities: Once you have your GSLC, you can earn a position as a security director or manager or an IT project manager who focuses on security initiatives. 
• Recertification process: You can hold your GSLC for four years, and when it’s time to get recertified, you need to have accumulated 36 CPE credits or pass the exam again. 

Are you thinking about GSLC certification vs. CISSP? If so, you may want to ask yourself, “Would I rather prepare to be a CIO who oversees managers or be a security manager myself?” If you find yourself leaning more toward managing security teams, the GSLC may be a better choice. On the other hand, if you’re heading for the C-suite, you may want to give the CISSP the nod. 

Which Cybersecurity Manager certification should I choose?

Each certification is a valid option for professionals who need to validate their knowledge and abilities, as well as put themselves in a position to earn managerial responsibilities. However, you’ll want to consider several differences. 

Key differences between CISSP, CIPM, CISM and GSLC 

Here’s a straightforward overview of what makes each certification unique: 

• The CISSP has a broader focus, so it may qualify you for a wider range of positions, but it may not be the best choice if you know you’d like to pursue a narrow focus, such as a security auditor or risk manager. 
• Because it focuses on privacy solutions, the CIPM may be a better fit for those seeking compliance or governance-related roles. 
• The CISM’s focus on risk management sets it apart from the rest, making it a stronger choice for general risk managers who also want to qualify for cybersecurity risk-related responsibilities. 
• The GSLC cert may be a better match for professionals who want to oversee security operations because it focuses on leadership. 

Comparison of exam formats 

While all of the formats consist of tie limits and questions, they differ in that: 

• The CISSP exam may have anywhere between 100 and 150 questions, and you have three hours to complete it. This is because each question has its own weight. 
• The CIPM is more straightforward, consisting of 90 multiple-choice questions, which you have 2.5 hours to complete. 
• The CISM consists of 150 questions; you’re given four hours to answer them. 
• The GSLC gives you 115 questions and three hours to complete the exam. 

Comparison of topics and focus areas 

Some certifications overlap considerably when it comes to topic areas, but upon closer examination, their focuses are unique: 

• The CISSP focuses on security architecture and risk management but also more specific topics such as cryptography and physical security. 
• The CIPM aims for a more privacy-centric focus, considering data protection regulations, privacy frameworks and operations. 
• The CISM’s focus centers on the skills a corporate security manager may need, such as governance issues, incident response and general IT risk management. 
• The GSLC focuses similarly on equipping you for leadership positions, but it focuses on network security, overarching security policies and developing incident response strategies. 

Comparison of career opportunities and industry recognition 

The career trajectories associated with each certification are perhaps the most significant differentiating factors. Even though each cert prepares you for a range of positions, here’s how the intended career paths differ: 

• The CISSP is great for CISOs or cybersecurity director positions. It’s meant to help you understand a broad range of topics without forcing you to get too in-depth with a particular discipline. 
• The CIPM is an ideal fit for someone looking to design and implement data security policies or manage teams that do so. For example, a bank or hospital may need someone with a CIPM to ensure customer or patient data stays secure. 
• The CISM is best for those looking to earn IT governance positions. Positions involving meeting regulatory compliance requirements or overseeing teams implementing security programs may require CISM cert holders. 
• Professionals with a GSLC certification may be equipped to manage cybersecurity operations or oversee multiple security teams, including developers building security features into apps. 

Which certification is best for you? 

Here’s a breakdown of which cert you should choose based on the skills or roles you have in mind: 

• For technical skills, go with the CISSP because it covers a wide range of technical topics, resulting in a more flexible skillset. 
• For managerial skills, you should steer toward the CISM because it focuses more on how to manage teams of professionals. 
• For privacy management, the CIPM. Would be the best choice since it covers specific privacy regulations 
• For leadership roles, you want to opt for the GSLC because it equips you to lead teams of security professionals and oversee security programs and projects. 

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Cybersecurity management: Next steps 

Security managers are the driving force behind an organization’s security strategies and solutions. They handle security incidents, vulnerabilities and device management. 

In addition to assigning, directing and evaluating the work of employees under their supervision, they also provide support around incident response and designing security and compliance programs. 

When choosing the best option for your career, please focus on the positions you have in your sights and then pick the cert that most directly prepares you for them. You can also check out job listings for the positions you want and see which certifications show up the most in their lists of prerequisites. 

To learn more about your training options, check out these resources: 

• Find your cybersecurity career path 
• 5 best ways to train for your first (or next) cybersecurity certification